Dr. Denise's Story
Discovering Resilience in a World That Felt Uncertain
Born and raised in the San Francisco bay area, California, Denise’s early life was filled with freedom but also uncertainty. She developed a sense of independence early on. Curiosity and challenges planted seeds of her lifelong passion for compassion and inclusion. These early experiences taught her that connection is a choice we must nurture—even in a world that sometimes feels unkind.
Alone But Safe: Learning Strength in Solitude
At 15, Denise found herself in Geneva, Switzerland, far from home, filled with novelty, surrounded by wealth and privilege. Living in Geneva gave her something precious—a sense of safety and the chance to discover her inner strength. Denise learned to rely on herself in ways she never had before. When she returned to California a year later, she was determined to move forward with purpose. She completed high school fueled by a desire to explore and create a life she could call her own.
Building Dreams, Friendships, and Family
In her 20s, Denise pursued her passion for the arts, earning a degree in Modern Dance and forging two lifelong friendships that would become a source of joy and support. At 26, she married for the first time, embracing a multi-cultural relationship with the hopes and dreams of a foundation of a beautiful life. During this time, she also earned her teaching credentials and advanced degrees in educational leadership, psychology-MFT, and School Psychology. With the arrival of her two daughters, Denise poured herself into raising her children while continuing her professional growth.
Letting Go to Find Herself Again
Life’s challenges soon demanded more of Denise’s strength and resilience. While Denise’s focus was clear—her children came first-, she realized that the marriage no longer reflected her true values and vision for the future. In 2009, Denise made the brave decision to let go of everything material and walk away from her old life. With nothing but her integrity intact, she stepped into the unknown to rebuild from the ground up. It was a moment of courage and clarity, reminding her that sometimes the hardest decisions lead to the greatest teaching moments leading to true freedom.
A New Beginning Rooted in Love and Purpose
Denise found herself in a new season of life, one marked by love, respect, and renewal. With her heart healing, Denise discovered a new professional passion—guiding individuals toward transformation by helping them break free from negative thoughts and behavioral patterns and foster emotional intelligence.
Starting with just 30 clients a week, Denise grew her professional focus into a thriving program serving over 2,000 clients weekly, with the support of a staff of 70. Through her work, Denise saw firsthand the power of compassionate leadership and personal accountability. She knew that real change begins when people feel seen, heard, and empowered to create a new path forward.
Sharing Insights and Building a Legacy
Denise’s desire to share her knowledge and experiences led her to become an author and speaker. In 2019, she published Mending Broken Connections, a book that offers 10 practical strategies to restore trust, rebuild communication, and nurture emotional intimacy. The book reflects Denise’s belief that healing begins with small but intentional actions, and that even the most fractured relationships can be repaired. That same year, she co-authored Success Formula with Jack Canfield, distilling her lessons on resilience and growth into tools for personal transformation.
Today, as Co-Founder and CEO of Streets2Schools, Inc., Denise continues her mission to create spaces where love, empathy, compassion, and connection thrive. Her Love and Compassion Cycle framework serves as a model for individuals, families, and leaders looking to build healthier relationships and foster emotional awareness. Denise’s work demonstrates that when people are equipped with the right tools, they can break free from even the deepest cycles of disconnection.
A New Chapter Filled with Love and Growth
In 2019, Denise married the love of her life, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with joy and fulfillment. As she looks to the future, Denise is committed to reaching even more people through her coaching, speaking engagements, and programs. In the fall of 2024, she earned the status of Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in Culture, Diversity and Social Justice in a Global Context. With this recent achievement she plans to expand her services nationally, ensuring that more individuals and organizations can experience the life-changing power of compassion, connection, and accountability.
The Journey Toward the Life You Deserve Begins Here
Denise’s story is one of resilience, renewal, and the courage to change. From her earliest experiences of loss to her triumphs in love, leadership, and personal growth, she embodies the belief that it’s never too late to begin again. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, rebuilding a relationship, or striving to become a more compassionate leader, Denise is here to guide you every step of the way. Real change takes courage, love, and accountability—but with the right support, the life you deserve is always within reach.
Mentor and Educator
with expertise in teaching, administration, and psychological counseling across diverse settings
40+ years of experience
in psychology, counseling, and leadership development
Author
of Mending Broken Connections and Christopher’s Anger and Co-Author of Success Formula with Jack Canfield
Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
with a specialization in Culture, Diversity, and Social Justice in a Global Context
Professional Speaker
with engagements on topics such as relationship transformation, emotional intelligence, and compassionate leadership
Creator
of the Love and Compassion Cycle framework, a model for developing emotional intelligence and empathy in personal and professional environments
Co-Founder and CEO
of Streets2Schools, Inc. and Commitment2Change, serving over 2,000+ clients weekly
JMT DNA Culture Award Nominee (2019)
for excellence in fostering transformation and nurturing culture
Certified Leadership Coach and Facilitator
with extensive experience in corporate and community leadership training
Researcher
focused on behavior change and rehabilitation, specializing in optimal program design for long-term transformation; Treatment Implications for Men Convicted of Domestic Violence In California: Alternative Behavior Intervention Program Dose-Response Effect Analysis
Dr. Denise Healy Is...
An Award-Nominated Author, Thought Leader, Speaker, and Co-Founder of Life-Changing Programs
What We Believe In
Dr. Denise’s Vision
A world where love, empathy, and accountability guide every relationship—personal, professional, and communal.
Dr. Denise’s Mission
To empower individuals, families, and leaders to heal fractured relationships, build emotional intelligence, and create lasting change through love, accountability, and compassion.